After nearly a year of anticipation, Allie Sczech has found herself in an ideal situation, having been drafted by the Omaha Supernovas in the fourth round of the Major League Volleyball Draft. Sczech had previously committed to playing under John Cook at the University of Nebraska in January after transferring from Baylor for her final season. However, shortly after her commitment, Cook announced his retirement.
On Monday, Cook reached out to Sczech to share the news of her selection by the Supernovas. She was chosen just after her teammate Taylor Landfair, who went to the Indy Ignite as the 28th overall pick. Sczech described the day as an emotional journey. She had been in prayer regarding the draft and remained composed throughout, but once she received the confirmation text that she was heading to Omaha, she couldn”t hold back her tears. “It”s a dream,” Sczech expressed. “Those are three notable people that have wanted me. I think that says a lot. I think that”s truly a blessing. Literally all the stars aligned. It”s a full circle moment.”
Coach Lauren Bertolacci from the Indy Ignite expressed her excitement about adding Landfair”s skill set to her team, which finished as league runner-up last season. Landfair, a standout player from Plainfield, Illinois, has had an impressive season, averaging 2.11 kills per set with a .322 hitting percentage, and was recognized as the Big Ten Player of the Year and an All-American in 2022.
During the Supernovas draft party, Sczech was embraced by hundreds of fans who gathered to celebrate the franchise”s new additions. Sczech remarked on the overwhelming support she felt, saying, “Sometimes we”ll forget for 10 minutes that I play volleyball in Nebraska, and then I”ll be reminded as soon as I come to anything that has to do with volleyball in Nebraska. I love it.” She added, “The love and support behind Nebraska volleyball, you don”t get this anywhere else. It”s so cool.”
As the draft unfolded, Cook revealed that he was particularly anxious about the possibility of Sczech being available for the Supernovas” final pick. Earlier in the fourth round, Cook texted her to gauge her interest in joining the team. Her enthusiastic response was filled with excitement: “Yes, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point. Like a trillion exclamation points.” Cook felt relieved to see Sczech still on the board when it was their turn. “I love her personality, and that was one of the bummers about me not coaching this year. I really was looking forward to coaching Allie,” he stated. “She”s just awesome. She”s a lot of fun. She goes hard. She”s got a wicked left arm.”
The Supernovas also selected other talented players, including Creighton middle blocker Kiara Reinhardt, Pittsburgh setter Brooke Mosher, and Iowa setter Claire Ammeraal. In joining the Supernovas, Sczech will reunite with former Nebraska players Merritt Beason and Layla Blackwell, both of whom transferred to Nebraska to complete their collegiate careers. Sczech shared her admiration for them, recalling, “When they came for the alumni match, I told a few of my teammates, I was like, dang, I wish I would have been here when they were here, because they”re awesome.”
Before her time at Nebraska, Sczech earned honors as a two-time All-Big 12 selection at Baylor. The 6-foot-4 opposite hitter has played in 26 sets across 15 matches this season, averaging 1.65 kills with a .394 hitting percentage. Though her playing time has been limited, Sczech acknowledged the growth she has experienced during her time with the Huskers, stating that intense practices have equipped her for the competitive nature of professional volleyball. “I know that coming to Nebraska is something bigger than Allie Sczech, and that”s why I came here,” she reflected. “I”m willing to do whatever I need to do in order to be a part of the team and to contribute.”
Upon arriving at practice on Monday, Sczech celebrated with fellow senior Rebekah Allick about their new journey into professional volleyball. Having been drafted brings her a significant sense of relief as she prepares to finish her master”s degree in journalism next summer. While she is excited about her future in volleyball, she is also aware that her playing days are limited and is ready for whatever comes next. Sczech has explored opportunities in media at Nebraska, such as participating in radio shows and interviewing teammates, but her focus will now shift to her career with the Supernovas. “While these other things are something I”m pushing for, I”m going to continue to push for them on the side in hopes of pursuing them later on in life,” she noted. “But right now, I got an opportunity, and so that”s something that I”m completely bought into pursuing at the highest level.”
